Rise WIB and Rise AV, advocacy groups championing gender diversity and professional development in the broadcast and AV sectors, have announced leadership updates and organisational developments as it continues to expand its reach and impact across the industry and around the globe.
Having operated as a not-for-profit organisation, The Rise Group is now formally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, a structure commonly used by charities and membership bodies. This transition strengthens Rise’s governance and ensures that all funds continue to be reinvested to support its mission of advancing gender diversity and professional development in the broadcast and AV industries.
A company limited by guarantee does not have shareholders so the current non-executive directors, will be appointed as guarantors and form the Leadership Board. The new company structure will be fully operational from April 2026, aligning with the start of the organisation’s new financial year.
The Rise Group has added Jon Sidwick (pictured) to its leadership board. Sidwick brings extensive experience and a respected voice from across the pro-AV industry, he has previously worked as head of LCD sales at Sharp, SVP at TD Synnex/Maverick AV, president of Collabtech Group, co-owner and chief storyteller at Blue Touch Paper and is currently a board member for InfoComm Asia. Additionally, he has worked with Avixa for a number of years in the Leader Search Committee (LSC), vice chairman of the board, chairman of the board and finally as chair of LSc and officer.
Sidwick joins existing Leadership Team members, Nicki Fisher, Sadie Groom, Samantha Harrison, Claire Da Silva, Namata Sahmah, Tim Williams and Charlotte Wheeler who represent key areas of the broadcast and media technology landscape.